Clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of calcification with surrounding inflammation in the hip labrum

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the surgical methods and clinical outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of a special type of calcification with surrounding inflammation in the acetabular labrum of the hip, which was temporarily named “calcifying labrumitis”. Methods From April 2015 to November 2019, a total of seven patients with calcifying labrumitis of the hip who underwent arthroscopic excision of calcified lesions and suture or partial resection of the labrum were included in this study. Radiographs were retrospectively evaluated for morphologic characteristics of calcifying labrumitis. Each patient was assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS), modified Harris hip score (mHHS), nonarthritic hip score (NAHS) and satisfaction rate before surgery and at the final follow-up evaluation. Results Seven patients, one male and six females aged 29–48 years, were included in the study; of these patients, three had calcifying labrumitis on the left side and four had calcifying labrumitis on the right side. All patients had hip pain and limited range of motion for a mean of 7.5 ± 3.1 months (range, 3–12 months). The mean follow-up period was 34.9 ± 19.5 months (range, 12–66 months). The lateral central-edge angle (LCEA) was 31.7 ± 3.9° (range, 28.8–36.4°), and the α angle was 41.4 ± 5.3° (range, 33.6–48.2°). None of the patients had cam or pincer lesions. After complete removal of calcified lesions, five patients underwent repair of the labrum with a suture anchor, and two patients underwent partial resection of the labrum. The symptoms of all patients improved significantly at the last follow-up. Mean scores improved from 5.8 ± 1.5 to 1.1 ± 0.3 ( p < 0.01) for the VAS, from 57.3 ± 10.6 to 90.8 ± 13.4 for the mHHS and from 62.5 ± 10.7 to 84.3 ± 9.6 for the NAHS. The satisfaction rate was 100%. Conclusion Calcifying labrumitis of the hip is a special kind of rare disease that is different from calcifications accompanying FAI and os acetabuli. Arthroscopic treatment of calcification with suture or partial resection of the labrum is an effective, safe and minimally invasive method, significantly relieving pain and improving hip joint function. Level of evidence Level IV.